TECUMSEH — Sidewalk maintenance in Tecumseh was a topic of discussion during the city council’s study session Monday. City Manager Kevin Welch is suggesting what he called a more efficient process to address sidewalk conditions.

“What I’m proposing doesn’t require an ordinance change,” Welch said.

He suggested using special assessment districts for new development while, for repairs, using an existing city ordinance.

“That is less time-consuming and can be done faster,” he said.

Welch said this is a change in procedure but, since the ordinance is already in place, would allow the city and residents to address sidewalk issues in a timely manner. Currently, a developer is responsible for installing sidewalks in a new residential development and the homeowner is responsible for maintenance.

Welch said the city is facing two issues related to the sidewalk program. First is installation of new sidewalks where none exist; and two, replacement of existing sidewalks due to defects that come up from time to time.

Councilman Gary Naugle pointed out that the cost for a property owner to contract with someone to fix a sidewalk could be almost cost-prohibitive. Welch said that is addressed currently by the city council’s approval of bids from a contractor covering all sidewalks in the city and then billing the property owner when work is needed. That is where the special assessment district comes into use, he said.

“A homeowner could do it themselves, but it has to meet city standards and would probably be more expensive,” Welch said.

The city has maintained a policy of paying for 25 percent of the cost of most sidewalks, 50 percent on corner lots and 100 percent on handicap ramps. Welch said this method does not discriminate between new sidewalks and existing ones in need of repair.

A new policy would continue to require installation of sidewalks as part of site plan approval for new residential developments. Sidewalks missing in previously developed areas can be resolved through a special assessment district, as is the current practice.

The change would place repairs to existing sidewalks under the current city ordinance, Section 70-31, which allows the city to inspect sidewalks and then requires homeowners to repair the area within 60 days. If the council approves that change, issues still need to be resolved include a decision on whether the city continues to pay for a portion of the repairs; whether a homeowner should be allowed to remove trees causing an elevated sidewalk and whether grinding should be allowed to eliminate a sidewalk elevation.

No action was taken by the city council Monday. Welch said he plans to have a proposal ready for the council’s consideration after Jan. 1.